Public Programs
1. Sunday, 14 February and Saturday, 20 February, Chinese New Year Activities The year of the Tiger.
Click here for a program of events. Available free for Sovereign Hill visitors.
2. Saturday 27 February. Sustainability at Sovereign Hill.
This 40 minute behind-the-scenes tour will show you how Sovereign Hill manages its approach to waste recycling and water sustainability strategies. Meet at 11.30 am at the Post Office. Suitable for adult visitors. Free after entry. Bookings (03) 5337 1188
3. Saturday 29 May, Mutton, damper, champagne and oysters: Food on the Goldfields.
Find out about the astonishing variety of food money gold could buy for you in Ballarat’s golden heyday in the 1850s and 1860s. You’ll have some surprises in store and maybe a delicacy or two as well! Meet at 11.30 am at the Post Office. 40 minutes and suitable for adult visitors. Free after entry. Bookings (03) 5337 1188
4. Thursday, 15 July, Lola Montez Returns to the Victoria Theatre
Lola Montez was considered notorious by many when she visited the Victorian goldfields, but her talent and reputation abroad made her the Madonna of her day. Come and see Lola as you will never have seen her before, find out about this remarkable woman’s achievements, and enjoy a recreation of her premiere performance in the Victoria Theatre. Suitable for teachers and Sovereign Hill Members. 5. 00 pm to 7.00 pm. Free
5. Thursday, 29 July, A short history of 19th century time
Join us as we explore the ways in which time was recorded, told and used in the mid-19th century. Clocks, and whistles, the passage of seasons, the sun and the stars and the phases of the moon. Victoria Theatre. 4.00pm to 5.00pm and suitable for adults. Free. Bookings (03) 5337 1188
6. Sunday, 1 August, Horses Birthday
All horses become a year older on 1 August each year. Come and celebrate the Horses’ Birthday with us at Sovereign Hill. Enjoy a wagon ride followed by demonstrations of harnessing and a stable tour for the whole family. One hour sessions conducted at 11.00 am, 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm. Free after entry. Bookings (03) 5337 1188
7. Sunday, 15 August, Steam Operations Day
Sovereign Hill will be alive with steam engines on 15 August and we have a special kid’s program to experience Sovereign Hill’s magnificent working heritage steam collection. You get to find gold in a most unexpected place in the popular ‘Stoked’ program. Suitable for primary school aged kids and their families. Sessions at 11.am and 1.00 pm. Free after entry. Bookings (03) 5337 1188
8. Saturday 21 August Community Bug Blitz™.
2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity. Join us at Narmbool for a hands-on, discovery filled two-hour exploration of biodiversity. There will be several expeditions through the day. More information soon. Bookings essential. (03) 5337 1188
9. Saturday 28 August, The world in Ferment in the 1850s
Whilst the goldrushes were at their height, the world was going through some extraordinary change—politics, technology and grand ambition were creating a new global order. And the consequences were magnificent and terrible. Find out more about where our modern world has come from. 40 minutes and suitable for adult visitors. Meet at the Post Office at 11.30 am. Free after entry. Bookings (03) 5337 1188
10. Sunday, 29 August, Cultural Diversity on the Goldfields
Explore the cultural diversity of the goldfields through a rotation of activities involving Indigenous goldfields history, the Immigration experience, the Chinese on the goldfields and music of the world. Two 90 minute sessions will be run at 11.00 am and 1.00 pm daily. Free after entry.
11. Saturday 4 September, Sovereign Hill Garden Tour.
Sovereign Hill’s head gardener will take you on a guided tour of Sovereign Hill’s fascinating 1850s gardens. You’ll be surprised by the variety of plants and gardens. Meet at 11.30 am at the Post Office. 40 minutes and suitable for adult visitors. Free after entry. Bookings (03) 5337 1188
12. Saturday 2 October Community Bug Blitz™.
2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity. Join us at Narmbool for a hands-on, discovery filled two-hour exploration of biodiversity. There will be several expeditions through the day. More information soon. Bookings essential. (03) 5337 1188
13. Sunday, 24 October, History Week. Narmbool History Walk
Explore Narmbool’s cultural history through a tour of its gardens, the heritage buildings, the old sheep wash, remnants of an 1870s settler’s homestead, the grave of one of Narmbool’s colonial occupants and an Indigenous perspective on the significance of Narmbool. Find out what these sites tell us about this important property and the history of Western Victoria’s pastoral industry. Bring your walking shoes, a drink and a hat. Involves moderate walking on rough tracks. Suitable for Sovereign Hill Members and Teacher Members 10.00 am - 1.00 pm Start at the Garden Room, Narmbool, Elaine Cost: $20 per person includes a light lunch. Bookings and prior payment essential. (03) 5337 1188
14. Thursday 28 October, Horrid Novels. Victorian Gothic sensation and supernatural fiction.
Definitely not suitable for the kids! . 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm. 60 minutes and suitable for adult visitors. Free after entry. Bookings (03) 5337 1188